A Kernel For Your Thoughts - FoodThe Official KingOfPOP.com Bloghttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/
http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specificationBlogEngine.NET 2.5.0.6en-GBhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/opml.axdMy nameA Kernel For Your Thoughts0.0000000.0000004 Reasons Why You Should Eat Popcorn<p><a href="https://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/4-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Eat-Popcorn.aspx"><img src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=2015%2f2%2fPub-Tin-Honey-Mustard-Popcorn-Pretzel_large.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Did you know that the average American eats around fifty quarts of popcorn each year? That&rsquo;s a lot of popcorn! Turns out, there are some good reasons why reaching for popcorn the next time you snack is a good idea. Here are 4 reasons why eating popcorn (maybe hold the butter though!) is a good idea:<br /> <strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Healthy Snack</strong><br /> <br /> Air popped popcorn has only thirty calories per cup. If you choose to pop it with oil on the stove, it has only fifty calories per cup. Depending on how it is prepared, popcorn can have less than half the fat of regular potato chips. This makes it a great diet food! It&rsquo;s also high in fiber, which makes it good for dieters because it fills you up without weighing you down. Since numerous studies have shown that whole grain foods are healthier because they are high in fiber, popcorn is a healthier snacking option than other carbohydrate or sugar loaded snacks.<br /> <br /> Another reason why popcorn is such a healthy snack is because it is rich in nutrients. It has protein, fiber, antioxidants, phosphorous, and even iron. It is known as a &ldquo;nutrient dense&rdquo; food, which means that it contains a high amount of nutrients while also being low in calories. Most other snack foods contain a relatively small amount of nutrients.<br /> <strong><br /> Popcorn is Versatile</strong><br /> <br /> Popcorn is an incredibly versatile snack which means that it tastes great with a variety of ingredients. Try it with chocolate, caramel, and even cheese toppings! This means that you can use your creativity once you pop it. It&rsquo;s even a nice addition to your main course as a breading instead of breadcrumbs, and you can even use it when <a href="http://www.bitememore.com/drinkme/31/popcorn-martini-recipe">making cocktails</a>! However, if creating a healthy snack is your goal, make sure that the ingredients you blend with the popcorn don&rsquo;t contain too many calories.<br /> <br /> <strong>A Gluten-Free Food</strong><br /> <br /> Are you following a strict, gluten-free diet? If so, popcorn is one of those foods that you can eat! However, you may want to pop the popcorn yourself just to be safe. Some manufacturers use the same facility to process popcorn as they do for other foods that have gluten, which means that cross-contamination is a possibility. Check with the manufacturer to make sure the popcorn is safe.<br /> <br /> <strong>Popcorn is Cost-Effective</strong><br /> <br /> When you buy the kernels yourself, popcorn costs around twenty cents an ounce. This means that a batch of air popped popcorn will cost less than a dollar to make. Since the kernels are so inexpensive, popcorn purchased in the store is also a cost-effective choice compared to other snack foods.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/4-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Eat-Popcorn.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/4-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Eat-Popcorn.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=fed25c3c-7f69-4e54-b701-5172b5203358Fri, 27 Feb 2015 10:50:00 -1000FoodGeneralPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=fed25c3c-7f69-4e54-b701-5172b52033580http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=fed25c3c-7f69-4e54-b701-5172b5203358http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/4-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Eat-Popcorn.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=fed25c3c-7f69-4e54-b701-5172b5203358Easy S’mores Popcorn Pops Recipe<p><a href="https://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Easy-Smores-Popcorn-Pops-Recipe.aspx"><img src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=2015%2f2%2fSmore-Popcorn-Balls-2014.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>There&rsquo;s something magical about warm, gooey chocolate mixed with marshmallow cream and popcorn. This gooey popcorn ball is reminiscent of the s&rsquo;mores we all enjoyed as kids. Though these marshmallows aren&rsquo;t roasted over a campfire, the treats are soft and sweet and are sure to be as fun to eat as the original. <br /> </p>
<p>You can either make your own marshmallow cream or use store bought. For ease of preparation, this version uses store bought versions. However, if you are feeling ambitious, feel free to substitute your own marshmallow cream.<br /> <br /> This recipe has been adapted from <a href="http://www.pineappleandcoconut.com/recipes/easy-smores-popcorn-pops/"> Pineapple &amp; Coconut</a>.<br /> <br /> <strong>S&rsquo;mores Popcorn Pops</strong><br /> <br /> Makes approximately 36 popcorn balls.<br /> <br /> <strong>Ingredients</strong><br /> <br /> 2/3 c. popcorn kernels<br /> 2 T. oil (coconut or vegetable, omit if using an air popper)<br /> 4 T. butter<br /> 1 1/2 c. marshmallow cream<br /> 1 c. chocolate chips<br /> 1 t. sunflower oil<br /> 3 sheets graham crackers, crumbled<br /> <br /> <strong>Instructions</strong><br /> <br /> 1. Pop the popcorn using any method you desire. If popping on the stove, you&rsquo;ll need 2 T. of coconut or vegetable oil. <br /> 2. In a large pot melt the butter and marshmallow cream together over medium heat. Stir vigorously until smooth and creamy. <br /> 3. Add the popped popcorn and stir gently until well coated. Add more marshmallow cream at this stage if the mixture didn&rsquo;t coat all the popcorn.<br /> 4. Form into balls while warm and place on a sheet of wax paper. Spear the centers with a wooden or bamboo stick. <br /> 5. Let set for around four hours, or until it has been cooled completely.<br /> 6. Melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double burner. Drizzle over each of the popcorn balls. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the melted the chocolate.<br /> 7. Place on the waxed paper and let stand until chocolate has completely cooled.<br /> 8. Transfer to a airtight container and keep chilled until ready to serve. Enjoy!</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Easy-Smores-Popcorn-Pops-Recipe.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Easy-Smores-Popcorn-Pops-Recipe.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=6698cf08-afb4-4d46-9ac7-128f90a67398Fri, 13 Feb 2015 11:42:00 -1000FoodPopcornEditorhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=6698cf08-afb4-4d46-9ac7-128f90a673980http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=6698cf08-afb4-4d46-9ac7-128f90a67398http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Easy-Smores-Popcorn-Pops-Recipe.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=6698cf08-afb4-4d46-9ac7-128f90a67398Red Velvet Popcorn<p><a href="https://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Red-Velvet-Popcorn.aspx"><img src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=2015%2f2%2fRed-Velvet-Cake-8-Inch-Slice_large.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p>Red Velvet has definitely become a popular confectionary over the past couple of years. From cakes to cupcakes to even pancakes, Red Velvet with is subtle chocolate flavor and deep red color can be found in many bakeries, restaurants, and cafes. While the origins of this cake are unknown, it is said that Red Velvet originally got its red color from buttermilk reacting with the cocoa powder in the mix. Topped off with cream cheese icing the cake is moist, sweet, and not super chocolaty, which gives the dessert mass appeal.<br /> </p>
<p>Talk about having your cake and eating it too! An ideal dessert to serve on Valentine&rsquo;s Day (or any time for that matter). This recipe will appeal to Red Velvet and Popcorn lovers alike. Here&rsquo;s how to make Red Velvet Popcorn.<br /> <br /> <em>Recipe Adapted From <a href="http://www.inspiredbycharm.com/2014/01/red-velvet-popcorn.html"> Inspired by Charm</a></em><br /> <br /> <strong>Red Velvet Popcorn</strong><br /> <br /> What You&rsquo;ll Need:<br /> <br /> 1 Red Velvet Cake (made from a boxed mix)<br /> <br /> 8 cups popped popcorn (roughly 1/2 cups of unpopped kernels) <br /> 3 cups red velvet cake crumbs (about 1/3 of a 9 x 13 cake)<br /> 22 oz. (2 bags) white chocolate chips<br /> Butter for Greasing <br /> <br /> 1)&nbsp;&nbsp; Make the cake according to the box&rsquo;s instructions, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.<br /> 2)&nbsp;&nbsp; Pop your popcorn either using an air popper or on the stovetop. You can also pop the corn in the microwave. Divide the kernels in half and place in two separate brown paper bags. Microwave each bag in the microwave as you would normal store-bought microwave popcorn.<br /> 3)&nbsp;&nbsp; Cut about 1/3 of the Red Velvet cake off and then cut into small cubes. Create &ldquo;Red Velvet crumbs&rdquo; by mashing the cake in a bowl by hand or with a potato masher or by placing in a food processor for a few pulses. Set the Red Velvet crumbs aside.<br /> 4)&nbsp;&nbsp; Make a double boiler by placing a metal bowl over a pot filled with water. Add a little butter to the double boiler and then add the white chocolate chips to melt.<br /> 5)&nbsp;&nbsp; Put your popcorn in a large bowl, (for this recipe - remove any unpopped kernels).<br /> 6)&nbsp;&nbsp; Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn and stir to coat completely.<br /> 7)&nbsp;&nbsp; Line a baking pan with waxed paper and pour the popcorn and white chocolate mixture into the pan. <br /> 8)&nbsp;&nbsp; Sprinkle the Red Velvet crumbs over the popcorn mixture. Turn the popcorn over with a spatula and sprinkle more crumbs so that the popcorn is evenly coated.<br /> 9)&nbsp;&nbsp; Let the popcorn cool and set. <br /> 10) Serve and enjoy!<br /> &nbsp;</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Red-Velvet-Popcorn.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Red-Velvet-Popcorn.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=87965c61-206b-4537-8eac-afa8b87f28dfFri, 06 Feb 2015 08:28:00 -1000FoodPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=87965c61-206b-4537-8eac-afa8b87f28df0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=87965c61-206b-4537-8eac-afa8b87f28dfhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Red-Velvet-Popcorn.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=87965c61-206b-4537-8eac-afa8b87f28dfCan Popcorn Go Bad?<p class="c0"><span>Popcorn, one of America&rsquo;s favorite snacks, is a great staple to keep in the kitchen at all times. Besides popping a big bowl of popcorn for movie night or a midnight snack, popcorn can be turned into desserts and sweets, and even used as toppings for ice cream. &nbsp;Because this snack is so versatile, you may be tempted to buy popcorn in bulk and store for later. However, how long can popcorn stay in storage? Does it go bad? &nbsp;Well the answer is &ldquo;sort of, but not really.&rdquo;<br /></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Can-Popcorn-Go-Bad.aspx"><img src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=2015%2f1%2fPopcorn-Bowl-2015.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p class="c0"><span>If stored properly unpopped popcorn can last for a very long time. Unlike other food items that become rotten or moldy, popcorn is a grain so it has a much longer shelf life. The key to storing your unpopped popcorn kernels is to keep them in a tightly sealed jar, and stored in a cool area (such as a pantry or cupboard). If you keep your popcorn this way, you can easily pop batches of popcorn for months down the road (or even longer).</span><span class="c1"><br /><br /><strong>When Popcorn Goes &ldquo;Bad&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
<p class="c0"><span>The reason popcorn &ldquo;pops&rdquo; is because of a small amount of moisture found within a popcorn kernel. Roughly 15% of a kernel is water. When heated the water boils and then pops the kernel into popcorn, releasing steam and pressure that built up inside the kernel. If your popcorn isn&rsquo;t stored in an airtight container and kept at a neutral temperature (on the cool side), you risk drying out the kernels.</span></p>
<p class="c0"><span>A popcorn kernel without water will not pop - which is why you often find kernels at the bottom of the bowl &ndash; these guys didn&rsquo;t have enough moisture to pop. DO NOT store your kernels in the refrigerator, as this will also cause the kernels to dry out.</span></p>
<p class="c0"><span>So yes, popcorn can go &ldquo;bad&rdquo; if not stored properly. Of course these rules only apply to unpopped popcorn. Microwave popcorn has a much shorter shelf life due to the oils and additives in the popcorn bag. Even popped popcorn can be stored for a few weeks, as long as it is in a sealed bag without air or moisture which can cause the popcorn to go stale.</span></p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Can-Popcorn-Go-Bad.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Can-Popcorn-Go-Bad.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=0b38a0df-d111-472b-8651-c7476d89644fWed, 07 Jan 2015 07:06:00 -1000FoodPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=0b38a0df-d111-472b-8651-c7476d89644f0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=0b38a0df-d111-472b-8651-c7476d89644fhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Can-Popcorn-Go-Bad.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=0b38a0df-d111-472b-8651-c7476d89644fStick To Your New Year’s Resolution With Snack Swaps<p>It&rsquo;s a new month and a new year! Many of us make resolutions to achieve special goals for the near year. One common New Year&rsquo;s resolution is to get in shape. This can mean going to the gym more, eating healthier, or taking up a physical activity as a hobby. Making simple changes to your daily eating habits can have a big influence on keeping your resolutions. One area in particular is snack food. While munching on crackers, chips, and cookies may be convenient, they don&rsquo;t help the waistline.</p>
<p>Making some small swaps in your snacks with healthier options is just one step to eating healthier and helping you maintain your New Year&rsquo;s resolution.<br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Stick-To-Your-New-Years-Resolution-With-Snack-Swaps.aspx"><img class="null" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=2015%2f1%2fCelery-Apple-Walnuts-New-Years-2015.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Popcorn!</strong></p>
<p>Skip the chips and dip, and aim for the whole-grain goodness of popcorn!&nbsp; A serving size of unpopped is 1 ounce. Once popped, it yields almost 3 and a half cups worth of fluffy popcorn. This one serving (if air popped and without toppings) clocks in around 100 calories. You can easily pop popcorn at home with an air popper or even in the microwave. Simply place the kernels in a brown paper bag, roll the top down to seal tightly and pop like you would a store-bought bag of popcorn.</p>
<p>Or you can purchase <a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Au-Natural-Popcorn.asp">plain popcorn</a> to have on hand. Separate into individual servings and store in plastic zip bags, so you have a healthy snack that is &ldquo;grab and go.&rdquo;</p>
<p><strong>Fresh Fruit</strong></p>
<p>Got a sweet tooth? Before you reach for the cookie jar, why not try fruit? Apples and bananas are two of the most popular fruits, especially because they are both naturally sweet. Fresh cut apple slices are a great snack. You can have a small dollop of peanut butter or vanilla yogurt for dipping. Bananas (especially when very ripe) are incredibly sweet on their own. If you&rsquo;re in the mood for ice cream, try this. Freeze a few very ripe bananas and then blend together in a food processor until smooth. What you&rsquo;re left with is a cold, creamy dessert similar to soft serve ice cream, without the fat and calories. <strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>Celery</strong></p>
<p>While celery isn&rsquo;t everyone&rsquo;s cup of tea, the benefit of eating celery is that you burn pretty much the same amount of calories of a stalk of celery simply by chewing it. In essence, celery has &ldquo;zero&rdquo; calories as the act of eating the celery cancels out its caloric content. If you can&rsquo;t do celery by itself, feel free to add a dab of cream cheese or peanut butter (which will add a small number of calories).&nbsp;</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Stick-To-Your-New-Years-Resolution-With-Snack-Swaps.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Stick-To-Your-New-Years-Resolution-With-Snack-Swaps.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=41f4aa0b-a196-41fc-a9d2-ee62ca9740feMon, 05 Jan 2015 12:07:00 -1000FamilyFoodHolidaysPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=41f4aa0b-a196-41fc-a9d2-ee62ca9740fe0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=41f4aa0b-a196-41fc-a9d2-ee62ca9740fehttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Stick-To-Your-New-Years-Resolution-With-Snack-Swaps.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=41f4aa0b-a196-41fc-a9d2-ee62ca9740feEasy Homemade Popcorn Treats – Fun for the Whole Family<p>We all know and love those sweet crispy rice squares made out of cereal and marshmallows. They&rsquo;re chewy, slightly crunchy, and oh so fun to make and eat. Did you know you can make similar treats with popcorn? By substituting popcorn for the rice cereal (you know, the one with the sound effects) you can create gooey, sweet, and crunchy treats that are perfect for any occasion! <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Homemade-Popcorn-Treats.aspx"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Marshmallows-2014" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=Marshmallows-2014.jpg" alt="Marshmallows-2014" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /><strong>Easy Marshmallow Popcorn Treats</strong></p>
<p>Prep Time: Under 20 Minutes</p>
<p><strong>Ingredients:</strong></p>
<p>- Plain popcorn (&frac12; cup of popcorn kernels should yield enough but feel free to adjust)</p>
<p>- &frac14; Cup (4 tablespoons) butter</p>
<p>- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows</p>
<p>- Extra butter for assembly</p>
<p><strong>Directions: </strong></p>
<p>1) In a large saucepan add the butter and heat over low heat, stirring frequently.</p>
<p>2) Slowly stir in the marshmallows and stir until everything has melted. Remove from heat.</p>
<p>3) Add the popcorn to the saucepan (or pour the mixture over a large bowl of popcorn) and stir with a non-stick spoon or spatula until fully coated.</p>
<p>4) Grease your hands with the extra butter (clean hands!) and start making your treats! The mixture is very sticky, so the butter helps keep the popcorn from sticking to your hands when making the treats.</p>
<p>You could follow the cereal bar approach and press the popcorn mixture into a greased or lined baking sheet and then cut into squares. Or, you can form the popcorn into whatever shape you like. You can create symmetrical popcorn balls or make up your own designs.</p>
<p><strong>Add-Ins:</strong></p>
<p>While popcorn and marshmallows are a great combination, feel free to mix things up to create your own customized popcorn treats. Some ideas include:</p>
<p>- S&rsquo;mores Popcorn Treats &ndash; mix in chocolate bar chunks and crushed graham crackers.</p>
<p>- Candy &ndash; mix in button shaped candies (chocolate, peanut butter, etc.), candy corn, or caramels. Whatever floats your boat!</p>
<p>- Food Coloring &ndash; dye the popcorn treats to match holiday colors, school colors, or even pink or blue for a baby shower.</p>
<p>- Fruit and Nuts &ndash; mix in nuts such as almonds or peanuts and add in dried fruits like cranberries, <a name="_GoBack"></a>raisins, or apricots.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Homemade-Popcorn-Treats.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Homemade-Popcorn-Treats.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=1982847b-2087-4b30-bcda-38745d660ae0Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:22:00 -1000FoodPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=1982847b-2087-4b30-bcda-38745d660ae00http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=1982847b-2087-4b30-bcda-38745d660ae0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Homemade-Popcorn-Treats.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=1982847b-2087-4b30-bcda-38745d660ae0Popcorn as Ice Cream’s Newest Topping<p>Maybe you&rsquo;ve heard, but in case you haven&rsquo;t, we&rsquo;re here to tell that it&rsquo;s National Ice Cream Week. And we&rsquo;re pretty darn excited for it. Like popcorn, there are countless flavors of ice cream, varying from the classics, like vanilla to the insane, like Honey Jalape&ntilde;o. So we thought we&rsquo;d bring our two favorite treats together. <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Popcorn-Ice-Cream.aspx"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Caramel-Popcorn-Icecream-2014" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=Caramel-Popcorn-Icecream-2014.jpg" alt="Caramel-Popcorn-Icecream-2014" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />Okay, it <em>may</em> look strange, but adding popcorn to ice cream isn&rsquo;t that crazy. Sure, it&rsquo;s crunchy and sometimes savory, but so are other much-loved ice cream toppings, like peanuts and bacon. <br /> <br />For this treat, we took our favorite chocolate ice cream, topped it with our crisp, golden caramel ice cream, and then (because you simply cannot ever have enough caramel) we added more of it on top of everything. Yuh-um. <br /> <br />Try for yourself and let us know what other combos you come up with!</p>
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<p><strong>About the Author:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Katie-Straw.asp" rel="author">Katie Straw</a> is the writer at KingOfPOP.com, maker of delicious handcrafted gourmet popcorn, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Popcorn-Ice-Cream.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Popcorn-Ice-Cream.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=b2c192d6-676d-48d2-9ea8-f185d7868a50Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:14:00 -1000FoodPopcornKatie Strawhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=b2c192d6-676d-48d2-9ea8-f185d7868a500http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=b2c192d6-676d-48d2-9ea8-f185d7868a50http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Popcorn-Ice-Cream.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=b2c192d6-676d-48d2-9ea8-f185d7868a50A Twist on a Wedding Tradition – A Popcorn Bar<p>Weddings are not only joyous occasions of celebration, but they also feature many different food and beverage displays as part of the reception. Besides traditional sit-down meals or buffets with wedding cake for dessert, many modern weddings now feature &ldquo;make your own&rdquo; bars for a variety of items. Make your own sundae bars are very popular, especially during the summer months. Lately mashed potato bars have become hot ticket items. Another option is a popcorn bar that will appeal to guests of all ages. <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Wedding-Popcorn-Bar.aspx"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Chocolate popcorn" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=Wedding-Popcorn.jpg" alt="Chocolate popcorn" /></a> <br /> <br />So what exactly is a popcorn bar? A popcorn bar is a set up where guests are offered a few different varieties of gourmet popcorn including sweet (kettle corn), savory (butter and salt), or plain and then get to make a custom popcorn mix with the toppings of their choice. Toppings can include nuts, candies, marshmallows, dried fruit, and cinnamon or other spices. You can also have syrups such as hot fudge, caramel, or maple. Think outside the box and include things like peanut butter sauce or kid&rsquo;s cereal. The possibilities are endless. <br /> <br />Here are three reasons to consider having a popcorn bar at your wedding: <br /> <br /><strong>Fun for All Ages</strong> <br />Popcorn bars will appeal to children at the wedding as kids love popcorn and they have a chance to make their own custom treat. You can get different colored sugars or edible glitter that will allow your guests to create magical, sparkling popcorn mixes. For the adults, a big draw is being able to make savory or sweet gourmet popcorn with items such as chocolate, cinnamon, or spices. The advantage of a popcorn bar is it is a step away from traditional dessert offerings such as wedding cake or assorted pastries, which can appeal to a guest with a sweet tooth or someone looking for a unique snack. <br /> <br /><strong>Perfect for Indoor and Outdoor Weddings</strong> <br />Popcorn is a shelf-stable product and doesn&rsquo;t require refrigeration (or heat to keep it warm). This makes popcorn perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings as the table can be set up pretty much anywhere. While ice cream bars are great, they can melt over time, especially at outdoor weddings and then your guests end up with ice cream soup. Your popcorn can be presented in baskets both wicker and metal, or glass jars with lids which is great for keeping bugs away. <br /> <br /><strong>Memorable Part of Your Reception</strong> <br />You can customize your popcorn bar to reflect your wedding. Have bags printed with the couple&rsquo;s name and wedding date. Or get Chinese-style takeout containers and put bride and groom stickers on them. You could even get movie-theater style popcorn buckets and then customize them with images of the happy couple. Your guests will have a little take home item, for when the popcorn is gone and the bar itself creates a memorable moment for all of your guests. <br /> <br />The best part about a popcorn bar is that is easy to set up. You can purchase gourmet popcorn and then transport it to decorative containers for display. Plus you don&rsquo;t have to worry about having dishes as the guests will have customized popcorn carriers to use. A gourmet <a name="_GoBack"></a>popcorn bar is an easy, creative, and customizable option for any wedding reception.</p>
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<p><strong>About the Author:</strong> <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Katie-Straw.asp" rel="author">Katie Straw</a> is the writer at KingOfPOP.com, maker of delicious handcrafted gourmet popcorn, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Wedding-Popcorn-Bar.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Wedding-Popcorn-Bar.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=8e5a1828-9f24-4bea-9f97-a389721bd6a0Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:38:00 -1000FoodPopcornGwen Watsonhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=8e5a1828-9f24-4bea-9f97-a389721bd6a00http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=8e5a1828-9f24-4bea-9f97-a389721bd6a0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Wedding-Popcorn-Bar.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=8e5a1828-9f24-4bea-9f97-a389721bd6a0Shark Bait Snack Mix<p>Sunday marks the end of the 26th annual Shark Week, a 7-day televised event designed to educate viewers on these infamous sea predators. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Shark-Bait-Popcorn-Snack-Mix.aspx"><img style="display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Shark Bait Popcorn" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=Shark-Bait-Popcorn-2014.jpg" alt="Shark Bait Popcorn" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />Whether you&rsquo;re scared of them, fascinated by them, or somewhat indifferent to their existence, sharks are creatures that command the world&rsquo;s respect, which is why we at KingOfPOP.com stand behind Shark Week. And, because Shark Week is at its most enjoyable when you&rsquo;re watching it with friends, we&rsquo;ve come up with this delicious snack mix, which is perfect bringing the week to a close. <br /> <br /><strong>Ingredients:</strong> <br />2 cups Kettle Corn (<a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Kettle-Corn-Popcorn.asp">available here</a>) <br />1 cup Sliced Almonds <br />1 cup Rainbow Goldfish Crackers <br />1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips <br /> <br />In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Serve and enjoy with friends and family!</p>
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<p><strong>About the Author:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Katie-Straw.asp" rel="author">Katie Straw</a> is the writer at KingOfPOP.com, maker of delicious handcrafted gourmet popcorn, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Shark-Bait-Popcorn-Snack-Mix.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Shark-Bait-Popcorn-Snack-Mix.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=b4cfde81-a94f-46e6-b12e-be468b14635bThu, 14 Aug 2014 12:00:00 -1000FoodPopcornKatie Strawhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=b4cfde81-a94f-46e6-b12e-be468b14635b0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=b4cfde81-a94f-46e6-b12e-be468b14635bhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Shark-Bait-Popcorn-Snack-Mix.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=b4cfde81-a94f-46e6-b12e-be468b14635b3 Ways to Spice Up Your Popcorn<p>While we love all flavors, there&rsquo;s a special place in our hearts for seriously spicy popcorn. From time to time, we turn our kitchen into a test lab, experimenting with different combinations of powdered peppers and exotic spices in the hopes of creating the perfect spicy snack. <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Spicy-Popcorn-Recipes.aspx"><img style="margin: 5px 0px; display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Spicy" src="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/image.axd?picture=Spices-2014-2.jpg" alt="Spicy" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br />Of the dozens of popcorn recipes that promise some heat, these three are some of our favorites, as they offer some serious spice at three different increments: <br /> <br /><strong>Level 1: Fiery</strong> <br />Delicious and healthy, this surprisingly <a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Recipe-Tangy-Chili-And-Lime-Popcorn.aspx">easy recipe</a> is perfect for adding just a little bit of heat to popcorn with cumin and chili powder. <br /> <br /><strong>Level 2: Blazing</strong> <br />For a little more of a kick, chipotle powder may do the trick. It gives the popcorn a heated smoky flavor that&rsquo;s near impossible to resist. See the full <a href="http://recipes.menshealth.com/Recipe/curry-chipotle-popcorn.aspx">recipe here</a>. <br /> <br /><strong>Level 3: Explosive</strong> <br />Ready to clear out those sinuses? We are in love with this <a href="http://brooklynfarmgirl.com/2013/12/31/wasabi-soy-sauce-popcorn/">Wasabi Soy Sauce Popcorn</a>. It&rsquo;s tangy and hot (we added a little extra wasabi to ours) and highly addictive, so watch out. <br /> <br />Want to try some spicy popcorn without making it? We&rsquo;ve got you covered there too. Take a look at our <a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/The-Spice-Is-Right-Popcorn-Tin.asp">The Spice Is Right Popcorn Tin</a>, composed of our Too Hot to Handle, Cajun, and Chipotle BBQ popcorns.</p>
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<p><strong>About the Author:</strong> <br /><a href="http://www.kingofpop.com/Katie-Straw.asp" rel="author">Katie Straw</a> is the writer at KingOfPOP.com, maker of delicious handcrafted gourmet popcorn, and currently resides in Manchester, New Hampshire.</p>http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Spicy-Popcorn-Recipes.aspx
http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Spicy-Popcorn-Recipes.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=d5fba828-be4f-4cf9-ba45-49b19c04f91aFri, 08 Aug 2014 10:13:00 -1000FoodPopcornKatie Strawhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/pingback.axdhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post.aspx?id=d5fba828-be4f-4cf9-ba45-49b19c04f91a0http://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/trackback.axd?id=d5fba828-be4f-4cf9-ba45-49b19c04f91ahttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/post/Spicy-Popcorn-Recipes.aspx#disqus_threadhttp://www.kingofpop.com/Blog/syndication.axd?post=d5fba828-be4f-4cf9-ba45-49b19c04f91a